U.S. speed skating championships: Richardson breaks 10-year-old record, Davis wins

"It was always in the back of my mind that I might be good at this," Garcia said. "I skated that first set of short track trials. … It was a Gong Show. It almost wasn't even short track anymore. I had one of my worst competitions in three or four years. I realized I was skating to beat other people and not for myself."

He began training long track on Oct. 1 and said he never expected to compete as well as he has — including getting a silver in the sprint championships.

"That definitely was not part of the plan today," he said, laughing. "But I'm super excited. Hopefully I can represent the U.S. well at the World Sprint Championships."

Garcia said his progression would not be possible without the friendship and help of the other long track athletes who've not only welcomed him onto the team, they helped him with training and competing adjustments.

"I really miss short track," said the 26-year-old former inline skater. "But I'm having a blast with long track. I never thought I'd enjoy it this much."

The competition continues Sunday with the men's and women's 1,500-meter races.

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